Upsetting mechanism



Feb. 2, 1937. R. wlLcoX UPSETTING MECHANISM Filed Jan. 2e, 1932 4Sheets-Sheet 1 I Feb. 2, 1937. R. wlLcox UPSETTING MECHANISM Filed Jan.26, 1932 4 Sheets-Sheet 22v A TTORNE Y Feb. 2, 1937. R. wlLcox UPSETTINGMECHANISM Filed Jan. 26, 1932 IN V EN TOR.

Patented Feb. 2, 1937 UNITED STATE PATENT OFFICE UPSETTING MECHANISMApplication January 26, 1932, Serial No. 588,859

20 Claims.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in upsettingmechanism or the like. It is the object of the invention, among otherthings, to provide means for presenting a blank successively to each ofseveral stations for operations thereon, to eject the blank from each ofsuch stations after such operations in timed relation with such means,and to be engaged and carried thereby, as well as means for releasingfor escapethe finished product. Another feature of the invention is toadapt this mechanism for use with either a single blow and/or solid dieheader of a conventional type, whereby the adaptability and extent ofuse of such machines may be materially increased.

To these and other ends, my invention consists, among other things, inthe new and improved upsetting mechanism, having certain details ofconstruction and combinations of parts, as will be hereinafter describedand more particularly pointed out in the claims.

Heretofore, in subjecting a blank to successive operations in a headeror the like, the blank is held in a fixed position in relation to thedie, and

cessively presented thereto. Such method requires the use of a pluralblow header or the. like. As plural blows are required while the blankis held in a xed position, a reduced output results over headers, or thelike, of the single blow type.

In this improved device, plural solid dies and punches are used and theblank is transferred from one die to another so that a single blowheader may be used instead of a plural blow. At

each station an operation is performed at each stroke of the gate sothat a completed product results from each forward movement of the gate.In the plural blow type, a finished product re- 4U sults only at thetermination of each series of blows, which requires a reciprocation ofthe gate for each blow.

With this improved mechanism, the punch holder is not moved transverselyof the movement g, of the gate, except for adjustment purposes, thuseliminating all of the punch holder moving mechanism.

The arrangement of the punches and dies is also such that they are insubstantially a straight line and substantially parallel with the axisof the crank shaft, through and from which the gate is actuated.Therefore, a machine having great strength without tendency to torsionaland other objectionable strains, results, ensuring the Y d punches ofvarious forms and types are suc-v (Cl.V 10u-12) otherwise be necessary,and having a longer operative life. f

Further, in this invention, the blank is cut from a rod length, andwhile in the cutter, as is the practice, is transferred to a station,and thereafter, to successive stations by transfer mechanism, shownherein as actuated in part by the cutter mechanism. This utilizes apresent and required motion for the transfer mechanism and avoids theuse of additional parts to produce the same result.

The ngers of the transfer mechanism are opened by parts associated withthe gate, thus also utilizing another present and required motionwithout additional parts. Thus, the motions of both the cutter and gatemechanisms are utilized for the transfer mechanism.

At the stations the blank is ejected from the tools by synchronouslyactuated knockout mechanism that Vpresents the blanks into positionwhere they are grasped by the transfer fingers before the latter close,on the return movement of the gate.

The knockout mechanisms are arranged so that the length of strokethereof may be varied according to the requirements of each station.

There are other new and novel features about this invention that willappear from the following description and the accompanying drawings, andare more particularly pointed out in the claims.

Referring to the drawings, in which like numerals of reference indicatelike parts in the several figures;

Figure 1 is a fragmentary view of a single blow header, upsettingmachine or the like, with the improvements herein set forth associatedtherewith;

Figure 2 is another View thereof;

Figure 3 is an enlarged fragmentary transverse sectional view, the partsin section being taken generally upon line 3-3 of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a portion thereof, the partsin section being taken generally upon line 4 4 of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary View of the gate, die holder and other parts,the parts in section being taken generally uponline 5-5 of Figure 6;

Figure 6 is a View of the transfer mechanism and adjacent parts, thosein section being taken generally upon line 3 3 of Figure 1;

Figure 7 is a sectional view of the feed bracket, the parts in sectionbeing taken generally upon line '1 -.l of Figure 1;'

Figure 8 a form of mechanism, other than l ment of the gate.

shown elsewhere, for` opening thev transfer flngers; and

Figure 9 is a View of the n'ger releasemechanism.

VAs hereinbefore indicated, this improved mechanism is particularlyadapted for association with a solid die and/or single blow header,upsetting machine or the like Its use enlarges the adapty ability ofsuch headers for work not heretofore possible to be done thereon, butonly with headers having plural blows,l

In the mechanism herein shown there are plural punches or other tools,whichr co-operatewith velop and produce the finished product, one ofwhich is produced and released at each move- As the punches maintainv afixed position `in relation to the gata-,none of the mechanismassociated with the gate in plural blow headers is required. So far asat presentadvised no one has heretofore applied plural blows to a blankin a single blow header, or discovered the possibility of doing sowithout movingV the punches e is slidably mounted in the body memberbeneath the caps |4; |5 the pitman thatV connects the gate withV thecrank shaft; and |6 is a shaft that is journaled in the body member andis driven from the crank shaft by the gear |1 and pinion I8. 1 f Y Fixedupon. one side of the body member is a cut-off bracket |9,Y within whichis slidably .mountedthe cut-off plate 20, and'actuated in part therebylis the cutter bar 2|, which moves in a pathv substantially parallelwith the axis Aof the crank shaftj Connected with this cutter bar is aplate 22, in' which isV fixed a stud 23 carrying a cam roll 24. This'camroll contacts with the cam plate 25 connected with the cut-off plate 20to move the vcutter bar in one direction and in the opposite directionby the cam plate 26, through a cam roll 21 on the stud 23.

Relative adjustment of the position of the cutterVV bar 2| is obtainedthrough an adjusting screw 28, which is threaded through the stud 23.The outer movement of this cutter bar is limited by a stop screw 29.

The cut-olf plate 20 derives a reciprocator motion from a crank 39 `onthe shaft |6 through the pitman3| and turn buckle mechanism 32.

The cut-off mechanism above described is of the conventional type andthe details of its construction and operation are now well known in theart; v

Fixed to the forward end of the gate I3 is a backing plate 33 andadjustably mounted thereon are a plurality of punch holders 34, 35, 36and 31. vWith each of these punch holders vare associated bolts 38 and39, the former ofl which is encircled by a block 40 slidable in theslots 4| in the punchholder, and the bolt 39 being ad;V

justable .within the slot 42 in the backing plate 33;

Vend of a backing plug 41.

By this mechanism a limited variable adjustment of the punch holderrelatively to the gate is permissible, and in its several adjustedpositions is maintained by the nuts upon the bolts 38 and 39 and theVscrew 43 threaded through the kpunch holder and impinging against astationary part.

' In each punch holder is mounted an operating tool, and as shown,theseV are designed for the fabrication of a rod length into nuts.

^ In the holder 34 is a pressure punch 44 mounted within a bushing 45and the inner end of which abuts against a backing plate 46, this inturn being in contact with the forward end of a backing plug 41.

Inthe punch holder V35 is an upsetting punch 48, the inner end of whichabuts against a backing` block 49, and in contact withthe forwardMounted within the upsetting punch 48 is the ejector pin 50, actuated inone 'direction' by a coil spring 5|.

In the punch holder 36 is an upsetting punchV 52,-supported by a'backingblock 53, which likewise engages the forward end of a backing plug 41.The outer ends of the punches 48 and 52 are shaped to upset the metal ofthe blank into predetermined'shapes, the former being a primaryv shapeand the latter the iinal shape of the blank.V While I have shownV twoupsetting punches herein, in another form of article, or even vin thesame typerof article, a'single punch might be sufficient, or a greaternumber than two.

As the nut produced by the tools herein Vis hexagonal in shape, theforward end 54 of the 35 Each backing'plug 41 is angular at the rearv-end and contacts with a wedge 58 mounted on a wedge block 59 that isadjustable in the gate vat substantially a right angle to the axis ofthe backing plug 41 nand held in adjusted positions by a screw`60, in awell known manner. By means of the wedge blocks the extreme outwardposition of the face of each tool is accurately determined and in suchposition permanently hel-d.

Projecting forwardly on each punch holder is a lug 6|, within which thetool is supported, and on the top and bottom thereof at its forward endare secured the plates 62, upon eachof which is a cam face 63. The camplates associated with theV punch holder 34 extend laterally thereof,substantially as shown in Figure 4.

Mounted in a recess in the wall of the pocket |29 in the body I0,opposite the gate, is a backing plate 64, and associated therewith is adie holder 65, which is secured in position by a locking wedge 66 heldby a bo1t61 in a well known manner.

Within the die holder 65 are a plurality of dies or tools that arepositioned, except for the cuttingoi tool, substantially concentric withthe tools associated with the gate.

The tools mounted in thel die holderare the cutoff die 68, the squaringdie 69, upsetting dies 1l! and 1|,- and the piercing die 12. Each of thedies 687, 69, 10 and 12 engages backing blocks 13 that contact with thebacking plate 64. f 1 f Letters Patent Nos. 1,832,167 and 1,832,168,issued November 17, 1931, disclose a set of tools similar to thoseherein shown, with the exception of the punch 44 and die 69. The latterare designed to square the ends of the blank if this seems desirable.The punch 48 and die 1l) upset the blank to dome shape.

The die 'll is mounted in a sleeve 'I4 and held in its outward positionby the tension of the spring 15. Within the die sleeve it and projectingthrough the opening in the die .'ll, is a combined pressure andknocko-ut pin, l5, which is moved against the resistance of the springll.'

The cross sectional shape and area of the opening in the die il issubstantially the same as that of the punch 54.

Within the backing plate in the rear of the piercing die 'I2 is a pin18, the forward end of which projects over an opening 'i9 throughoneside of the die 12.

Fixed to the die holder 65 is a stripper plate 80 having an opening 8itherethrough slightly larger Ythan the diameter of the piercing punch55, which projects therethrough in its forward position.

The relative vertical position of the die block 65 is maintained by theset screw 89 and the dies are held rigid by the screws 9B or the like.

Fixed to one wall of the pocket 129 is a bracket 82, which supports astop pin 83 that is adjustable axially therein by means of the nuts B.

Secured to the inner end of the cutter bar is a cutter 85, having springfingers i3@ associated therewith, substantially as shown in Figure 6.This cutter and the spring fingers are of the conventional type, as wellas their method of association with the cutter bar.

In operation a rod is advanced by means of the feed rolls 86 through thecut-off die 53 until the end thereof abuts against the stop pin 83. Thecutter bar now moves forward and the cutter S5 severs that portion ofthe rod between the stop vpin and the face of the cut-off die. Thiscut-off portion, now the blank, is carried by the cut-off knife andspring fingers to a position where it is in front of the opening in thedie 59 with its axis concentric with that of the punch til. The for-45gward movement of the gate projects the blank the blank.

Some metals do not cut off squarely but at an angle to the axis of theblank. Such angular or non-square ends do not impair subsequentoperations on the blank, except in certain classes of gwork. Hence, theuse of the die 69 and punch 44 may be unnecessary at times.

After leaving the die G9, the blank is presented to the die 10, where itis domed in substantially the manner shown in the above referred topatents, and ejected therefrom by the ejector pin 5B and knockout rod88. Thereafter, the blank is presented to the die H and the dome shapeblank is compressed between the knockout pin 'l5 and punch 54 and thethickness and outside shape of `the finished article determined.

The blank, which has now assumed the form of a nut, is presented infront of the die 'l2 and inside of the stripper plate Se, and the punch55 pierces a hole therethrough. The slug formed ,thereby is deflecteddownwardly through the cle drops into a chute which leads to areceptacle conveniently arranged to receive the same. At each forwardstroke of the gate four different operations are performed upon theblank, by sepmv arate sets of tools to produce the finished nut orarticle. These successive operations allow for a proper and convenientflow of the metal in the blank without distortion or rupture thereof.

The article produced by the tools herein is a completed nut, ready forthreading, that is formed from a rod of -metal and with the minimumwaste of material and without requiring a subsequent finishing of theexterior thereof.

Obviously, as before indicated, the shape of the tools may be varied toproduce rivets, bolts, screws, and the like, as Well as many othervarying shapes and sizes.

The tools are arranged so that they are in substantially the same planeas the axis of the crank shaft, thus obtaining the maximum pressure andeliminating torsional strains.

The knockout rods 87, 88 and Si are operated synchronously so as toeject all of the blanks from the dies at one and the same time, to betaken up and carried bythe transfer means. The mechanism for actuatingthe knockout rods comprises in part, a plurality of rock levers '$32,one for each of the rods, which contact therewith substantially as shownin Figure l. These are mounted upon a shaft 93 in the feed bracket andthe rolls 95 thereon ride against the cam shoe e@ on the rock lever E35,fixed on the shaft 9i. The cam shoe 9S is of harder metal than the rocklever and may be replaced by a new shoe if wear or other reasons shoulddemand.

Shaft 9i derives an oscillating movement in timed relationwith otherparts from companion cams S8 and S9 mounted upon the shaft iii, througha link lili), connected at one :1d to a crank il on the shaft 97 and atthe other end to a rock member |532. This rock member is actuated by thecam 99 through a cam roll 32, which rides against the cani face. Asimilar rock member |63 is actuated by the cam 98 through a cam roll IM,which rides against the cam face. These rock members are flexiblyconnected by the rod |65 having a spring it therearound. Thus, the rockshaft Si is operated positively in both directions by cam mechanismwhich insures a proper timed relation movement of the rock levers 92 andknockout rods with the punches. The screws i di, threaded in the bracketSie, adjustably limit the movement of the rock levers Q2 when pushedoutwardly by the knockout rods when a blank is projected into a die.

cutter bar and moves therewith. It comprises in part two slide membersHi8, which move within grooves in the face of the die holder 55, and areconnected with each other and with the cutter bar by the cross bar 169.

Fixed in each slide member are a plurality of studs Y Hi, upon each ofwhich is rotatably mounted a transfer finger il l, the inner ends H2 ofwhich are suitably shaped to grasp the blank at one of the stations andcarry it to the next station. The transfer lingers are moved toward eachother by the springs H3 connected at one end with the fingers and at theother end to which projects into the path 63 o-nthe cam plates 62.

When the gate is in its rear position, that is, away from the face oftheV dies, the springsl H3 will hold the fingers in'theirinnermostrpositon, with their innerends H2 substantially in. theposition shown in Figure 3. As Ythe gatermoves forward the camV plates62 engage the rounded ends of the studs H6 and force Vthefingers'outwardly; Their extreme Voutward position shown in Figure 6.The extent of the opening is determined by the cam face 63 on the plate62 whenin engagement with the stud H6.

In orderrthat it may not be necessary to subof the ,cam faces stitutenew fingers complete for each different shape blank, a separable tip II1 may be used and attached in any convenient manner tothe body of thefinger. .'I'hus, the gripping face of each finger may be varied atwill.

Another form of Contact mechanism between the transfer linger and thepunchV holder is shown in Figure 8, wherein a stud |31 is sub- Ystituted for the stud H6, in the outer end of which is a ball |34,positioned and in parti held against dislodgment by the screw |35. Thisform ofi device will minimize friction and obviate wear of the parts. Y..i

The timing'of the Yparts is such that the blanks at the several stationsare ejected fromY the dies simultaneously and pushed into positionbetween'the fingers when the same are closing, bythe withdrawal of thegate. VThus, a blank, in its incompleted form, is carried from onestation to' another untilits arrivall at the'station where itisVcompletedby the piercing operation. The remaining end of the rodlength,after itV has been successively presented to the cut-off knife, may notbeV sufiicientlylong for a new blank. FSuch short length is, however,advanced through the cut-off die bythe new rod length, the forward endof which supplies suflcient material 'to make'a full length blank. Thus,in the cutter there may be two short rod pieces which combined make asingle length blank. These two pieces may go through the entiresubsequent operations without disturbing any'tools or parts Vbutproducing, however, a faulty article.

To prevent this, as well as any damage that might result to the tools,or other parts, by either a shortV piece getting out of alignment, orotherwise, means have been provided to release such short pieces soVthat they willY not be presented for subsequent operations. Such ment ofthe lower transfer finger near the cutting off station, so that` the twoshort pieces will not be engaged thereby and drop out of the machine. YY Y This mechanism comprises a kdrum H8, mounted upon a stud H9, in abracket |36, Yhaving a cable connection |20, with a stud |2| associatedwith the lower transfer finger Vadjacent to the cut-off knife. A similarcable v|22 connected with the drum H8 passes over an idler |23 mountedon a fixed bracket |24, and connected with atreadle |25 of a well knowntype. Y

The ends of cables |20 and |22 are connected with the drum by screws|26or the like, whereby the length of the cables may be varied foradjustment. Y Y

A spring |21 between the drum H9 and a fixed part insures the drum beingheld in such position that Vthere is no pull on the transfer fingerthrough the cable |20 except when pressure is applied through thetreadle |25. A vspring |28 between the cable |22 and treadle v|25provides means tortake up any excess movement of the Vtreadle after thetransfer, finger has been moved `to its extreme position. v YAs the endof theold and the new rod are moved into the path of the cut-off knife,

the operator presses thev treadle |25 downwardly,

lengths the transfer finger ismoved to its non-gripping position, andthefshort ends of the old and new rod lengths cut therefrom drop out ofthe machine because not engaged by the transfer fingers.

All the other transfer fingers performl their function, however, andtransfer ther blanks' as usual. y

Afterthe forward end Y y has been subjected to therst cut-off operation,the operator releases the treadle |25. The re,- turned transfer fingeris released and returns to its gripping position and performs itstransfer Y function as before.

Having thus described one embodiment of the invention, it is obviousthat numerous and extensive departures may be made therefrom withoutdeparting` from the spirit of myinvention, and within the scope of theappended claims.

What I claim is:

1. In mechanism of the character described, a 30 plurality of dies, aplurality of punches coof the new rod length operating therewith, onerormore punch'holders ,d

for the punches, a cam plate `on each'puph holder, and transfer means,having fingers as a part thereof, for carrying the blankl successivelyto the dies and having an element thereon in the path of movement of thecam plate, Vwhereby Y Vnon-gripping positions, said element having aVball contact surface.

3. In mechanism of the character/described,

a gate, a plurality of solid dies, a plurality ofv punches cooperatingtherewith, means for cutting off agblank from a rod length,y transfermeans, having fingers on a part thereof, for carrying the blanksuccessively to the` dies,

means on the gatey for movingV the. fingers .to

and means for Y their non-gripping positions; ejecting the blanks fromlthe dies while the fingers are actuated by the gate means. n

4In a heading machinea gate, a plurality of tools, means for cutting offa blankfrom a rod length, means for transferring such blank successivelyto the tools, comprising a slide, aV con-Y nection between the slide andthe cut-off means, Y

a plurality of ngers associated with the slide and movable toward eachother to grip the blank therebetween, each finger having a surfacethereon in the path of movement of the gate, and a part associated withthe gate that engages the said surface and moves the ngers to theirnongripping positions.

5; In a header, having a pocket in the body thereof; a gate movable intoand out of the pocket; a plurality of punches carried by the gate; a .Y

cutter device projecting through one wall of the pocket; a die holdersecured to that wall of the pocket opposite the gate; a plurality ofdies in the die holder, the axes of some of which are coincident withthe axes of the punches; means for transferring a blank, from thecut-off device, successively to the dies and in line with the punches,comprising in part movably mounted fingers, that hold the vblanks inline with the dies; and means on the gate adjacent to `the punches thatactuate the lingers so as to release their hold upon the blank as thepunches are about to engage therewith.

6. In a heading machine, a plurality of sets of tools; means for cuttingoff a blank from a rod length; and means for transferring such blanksuccessively to the sets of tools, comprising a slide; a connectionbetween the slide and the cut-off means, a plurality of iingersassociated with the slide and movable toward each other tov grip theblank therebetween, each linger having a part thereon in the path ofmovement of the gate; and means associated with the gate for engagingsaid part and moving the transfer lingers positively in one direction.

7. In a heading machine having a gate, a plurality of sets of tools, aportion of which are on the gate; means for cutting off a blank from arod length; and means, operated in part by the cut-off means and byparts on the gate, for transferring such blank successively to the setsof tools.

8. In a device of the character described,I wherein a rod length isintermittently advanced, the combination with means for cutting olf aportion of such rod length, a series of tools, a transfer device formoving the blank from the cut-oi station to the tools, and means forindependently actuating the transfer device whereby it will becomeinoperative in part for transfer purposes.

9. In a device of the character described, wherein a rod length isintermittently advanced, the combination with means for cutting offV aportion of such rod length, a series of tools, a transfer device formoving the blank from the cut-off station to the tools, comprising inpart transfer lingers that engage the blank, arranged in pairs, andmeans for independently actuating one of the transfer ngers, whereby itwill be moved into and held in a non-gripping position and thereby madeinoperative.

i0. In a device of the character described, wherein a rod length isintermittently advanced, the combination with means for cutting o aportion of such rod length, a series of tools, a transfer device formoving the blank from the cut-off station to the tools, and means forindependently and manually actuating the transfer device, whereby itwill become inoperative in part for transfer purposes.

l1. In a device of the character described, wherein a rod length isintermittently advanced, the combination with means for cutting off apor tion of such rod length, a series of tools, a transfer device formoving the blank from the cut-off station to the tools, means forindependently actuating the transfer device, whereby it will becomeinoperative in part for transfer purposes, comprising a drum, aconnection between the drum and one of the transfer fingers, and manualmeans for rotating the drum.

l2. In a header having a pocket in the body thereof; a gate movable intoand out of the pocket; a plurality of punches carried by the gate; aplurality of solid dies secured to that Wall of the pocket opposite vthegate, the axes of some of which are coincident with the axes of theirco-operating punches; a cutter device projecting through one wall of thepocket and movable in a plane extending across the face of the dies, forcutting off a portion of a rod projecting beyond the face of one of thedies and transferring such` cut-off portion, now a blank, into registerwiththe next succeeding dieand its co-operating punch; and means,connected and movable with v `|vfthe cutter device, for thereaftertransferring the blank, from the aforesaid position, successively 'tothe,otlier'fdies and in line with their cooperart-ing Punches. v

" j 13;5In'a'he'ading machine; a cut-off die; a plurality o'f"'s`ets' oftool'slocated in substantially the same plane; means that includes acutter bar,

for the Jlike,L for cutting olf a projecting portion of a rod lengthpassed through a cutting die;

" means connected and movable with the cutter -bar f or grasping andtransferring such cut-01T portion, now a'blank, successively from oneset of-tools to thenext succeeding set of tools, cornprising in part-1aslide secured to the cutter bar,` anda plurality of fingers associatedwith the slidel and movable toward and away from each other to grip ablank therebetween.

14. In a heading machine; a cut-0E die; a plurality of solid dies; aplurality of punches cooperating with the; solid dies; a slide movablein a` plane substantially parallel with the face of said dies; Va cutterconnected and movable with the slide; means for imparting movement tosaid slide duringl which the cutter will sever a portion of a rod lengthprojecting beyond the face of the 4cut-off die; one or more pairs ofmembers connected and movable with said slide; a finger connected witheach of said members and movable toward and away from each other tograsp Ysaid cut-off portion, now a blank, and carry the samesuccessively from said solid dies to another of ,said dies and hold thesame in register with its co-operating`punch until it has been projectedthereby intothe dies.

f 15,.In'a heading machine; a cut-off die; a plurality of dies; Y'toolsor-the like co-oper'ating with said latter dies; a slide movable in aplane substantially parallel with the face of said dies; a cutterconnected and movable with the slide; means for imparting movement tosaid slide, during which the cutter will sever a portion of a rod lengthprojecting beyond the face of the cut-off die; a support element fixedto the slide and projecting in advance of the cutter ,end thereof; andfingers connected with said element and movable toward and away fromeach other to grasp said cut-off portion, now a blank, in advance of thecutter, an-d carry the same successively from one of said dies toanother of said dies and hold the same in register with its cooperatingtool until the blank has been projected into the die.

16. In a heading machine; a cut-off die; a plurality of dies; tools orthe like co-operating with said latter dies; a slide movable in a planesubstantially parallel with the face of said dies; a cutter connectedand movable with the slide; means for imparting movement to said slide,during which the cutter will sever a portion of a rod length projectingbeyond the face of the cutoff die; a support element fixed to the slideand projecting in advance of the cutter end thereof with a portionthereof upon one side of said dies and another portion upon the oppositeside of Said dies; and fingers connected with each portion of saidelement and substantially opposite each other` and movable toward andavvay from each other to grasp said cut-off portion, now a blank, inadvance of the cutter,l and carry the same successively from one of saiddies to another of said dies and hold the same in register with itsco-operating tool until the blank has been projected into the die.

17. In a heading machine; a cut-off die;a` plurality of dies; toolsV orthe like co-'operating Withsai-d latter dies; a slide movablein Ya planesubstantially parallel with the faceof said dies; aY cutter connectedand movab-le with the slide; means for imparting movement to said slide,during which the Ycutter Will sever a portion of a rod length projectingbeyond the face of theV cut-off die; 1a, support element fixed to theslide and projecting in advance ofthe cutter end thereof; lingersconnected With said element; yieldingV means forractuating thengers inone udire'ction,'vvhereloy to grasp saidcut-off portion,

now a blank, in advance of the cutter, andV carry the same from one ofsaid dies to another of said Ydies and hold the same in registerWithlits cotools simultaneously, means for feeding stock one step foreach reciprocation of` said tools', said feeding means being spaced fromthe iirst pair of tools a distance equal to the transverse spacing ofsuccessive pairs of tools, a cut-off bladetransversely reciprocable forcutting off `a length of Y' stock and moving it into position betweenthe rst pairV of tools, transfer mechanism movable WithY said bladeadapted to receive a blank Vfrom said first pair of tools and move itinto position between the second pair of tools, said mechanismcomprising Work gripping ngers, and means for `mediately prior to theactual forming operation.

i holding said ngers separated Vduring the return movement of theVcut-off blade and transfer mechanism. t Y

19. A machine for simultaneously conducting a plurality of steps of ablank forming procedure which includes, a plurality of dies, a pluralityof shaping tools, each of said tools being adapted to cooperate with oneof said dies for producing a change of shape in a blank in accordancewith a step in the forming procedure; a transfer mech-n anism for movinga blank from a position adr-Y Vjacent one die to a position adjacentanother,

said transfer mechanism vhaving independently actuated ngers forgripping each blank to be VVmoved, means for relatively andsimultaneously moving said dies and said'tools into a blank formingrelationshipwith respect to each other, and

:means for moving the fingers relatively to the other parts of thetransfer mechanism and opening said ngers out of thepath of the formingtools and holding them in an open relationship immediately prior to theforming operation, 20; A machine for conducting a blank formingprocedure Which includes, adie, a tool, said tool being adapted tocooperate with said die for pro-i ducing a change of shape in a blank inaccordance with the forming procedure, Ymeans for moving saidrtool toyand from a cooperative rel lationship with respect to said die, acut-off die;

a reciprocating transfer mechanism for holding a blank and moving it tosaid die from the cutioY oi die, said transfer mechanism including apair of slides, av pair of bell cranks pivotally mounted thereon withtheir free ends in subsantial engagement with each other when in theirclosed positio-n at a point between said slides, resilient means fornormally holding said fingers in a closed relationship with, respect `toeach other, a lpost mounted on each of said bell cranks and projectingoutwardly and laterally therefrom, said toolV i' `having plates mountedthereon for cooperating with the posts of the transfer mechanism, foropening said fingers and releasing the blank im- R101-IARDV LESTERWILCOX.

